The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority’s annual holiday exhibit, “A Christmas Story” Comes Home, has broken the record for the highest number of visitors to explore the exhibit. The previous record was set in 2011, where 33,458 visitors stopped in to the Indiana Welcome Center.
“With two days still left of the exhibit, ‘A Christmas Story’ Comes Home has surpassed 2011’s record in the number of visitors to enjoy our annual holiday display,” said Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore CVA.
The exhibit offers numerous activities and special events for families to enjoy. Activities include crafts, cookie decorating, movie viewings, photos with Santa and letter-writing to Santa. Special events include the Mommy’s Little Piggy mashed potato eating contest and the Oh Fuuudge! Tire Relay Race. The addition of the bronze “Flick” statue, on permanent display in front of the Indiana Welcome Center, has also served as a draw to visitors, explained Batistatos.
Throughout the exhibit, the Indiana Welcome Center’s gift shop also offers a wide variety of exhibit-themed merchandise, including T-Shirts, glassware, figurines and lamps in various sizes. The gift shop is currently offering up to 40 percent off all merchandise through Sunday, Jan. 4.
“Visitors and residents know that by attending the exhibit and events presented by the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, they will enjoy a fun, family-friendly and memorable experience,” said Batistatos.
The Indiana Welcome Center is open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and is located at the intersection of I-80/94 and Kennedy Avenue South in Hammond, Ind. For more information on the South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority, the “A Christmas Story” Comes Home exhibit or special events, visit www.AChristmasStoryComesHome.com or call 219-989-7979.
